5 Things / Authenticity


Listen to the Full Episode Here:


Some of you may know that years ago, I used to be a wedding planner specializing in LGBTQ weddings. It was my first business. I had a love-hate relationship with the work and in hindsight, I know that part of the reason is that I seldom felt like my authentic self – I didn’t even know who that was. The truth is that I never really cared about weddings. I was in it for the advocacy for my clients and other LGBTQ+ couples. I wasn’t passionate about flowers, linens, letterpress stationery, etc, that my peers obsessed about and my clients splurged on. The result is that I spent a lot of time in my head. I was more stiff, much less playful. 

I completely lacked authenticity, which ultimately caused burnout (it was exhausting to be fake) and I’m sure somehow contributed to my divorce. Authenticity seems like a buzzword but I’ve now learned that it’s the key to happiness. That sounds cliche but authenticity requires letting others in, letting them see our good, bad, and ugly, which in turn, builds connection. Connecting with others makes us more fulfilled and helps us live longer!

In this week’s 5 Things in 15 Minutes, I’ll be joined by my good friend, speaker, leadership coach, and writer, the incredibly authentic Charlene Wheeless. She wrote the fabulous book You Are Enough! Reclaiming Your Career and Your Life with Purpose, Passion, and Unapologetic Authenticity. We’ll talk about how to be more authentic and how that contributes to a more cohesive and productive workplace culture. It’s a choice, not a chance. Charlene is one of my sheroes and I hope you’ll join us. 

This Week’s Good Vibes:

  1. Walmart Scraps Degree Requirements for Some Corporate Jobs

  2. Lincoln Park Zoo Announces First-Ever Zoo-Based Memory Enrichment Program

  3. Laphonza Butler Sworn in as California’s Newest Senator and First Openly Black Lesbian to Join Congress

  4. United Airlines Looks To Improve Travel For Those With Disabilities

  5. Some Minnesota Hospitals Now Offer Culturally Appropriate Hair- And Skin-Care Products

    1. Minnesota hospitals are taking steps to provide culturally appropriate hair- and skin-care products to patients, including those with textured hair or who wear hijabs. These efforts reflect a growing recognition in healthcare of the importance of culturally competent care to reduce racial and ethnic healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes. Offering such products can contribute to a sense of safety and normalcy for patients, particularly those from Black and brown communities, in an otherwise unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable hospital environment.

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